Business Leadership Academy for Social Transformation (BLAST)

Business Leadership Academy for Social Transformation (BLAST) | Hill CDC

PROJECT: Business Leadership Academy for Social Transformation (BLAST)

PROGRAM: 2016 Catalytic

GRANTEE: Hill CDC

The Hill CDC currently owns the former New Granada Theater property, located at 2007 Centre Avenue in the Hill District neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The structure has long been a link to the history of The Hill, and the CDC has recently issued a request for proposals seeking a redevelopment partner for the property. The New Granada Alcove Project is an interim strategy to reactivate a 1300 sf portion of the structure (alcove + expanded) to incubate minority entrepreneurs and provide training assistance to retail micro-businesses, as part of a broader strategy to revitalize the commercial corridor. The project is in accordance with the Greater Hill District Master Plan and Centre Avenue Redevelopment Plan, and specifically its interim strategy to activate empty storefronts, abandoned properties and vacant lots on the Hill. It will also serve as a key element in the broader remaking of Centre Avenue, which runs through the heart of The Hill.